The ability of local emergency response agencies to be effective, following a disaster, is directly related to the qualifications of those responsible for coordinating response efforts as well as training the emergency response personnel. In the State of Missouri there is currently no standardized job description for the position of local emergency response coordinator, nor minimum training requirements for emergency response agency personnel. In some instances, the emergency response coordinator serves voluntarily, with no compensation, or is a part-time employee with other full-time responsibilities. Other coordinators are full-time employees who devote their worktime to disaster mitigation, response and recovery planning and training of local emergency response personnel.
Training of emergency response personnel, including disaster simulation exercises, will enhance the capabilities of these personnel and allow for testing and improving the local emergency response plan. Not all local jurisdictions in Missouri participate in SEMA sponsored training exercises annually. This training ranges from a "table top" exercise to a full simulation of a disaster event.
Develop a standardized job description and support funding for a full-time qualified local Emergency Response Coordinator as defined by Chapter 44.090 of the Revised Missouri Statutes.
Promote training exercises for all local emergency response agency personnel.